Exactly this. There are so many different ways to measure success on Medium. Some of us want to express ourselves daily; the practice is the outcome. Some of us want validation from higher-ups. Some of us want connection with our readers. Some of us want to build authority that supports our outside business endeavors. Others of us want to earn from the partner program. What's important is for each writer to have their own clear understanding of their motivations, and to focus their valuable time on their goals.